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Get the details on Festival International's virtual event

"Flags are still flying, and the playlist is still playing today. But we wanted to create something special," Carly Viator, marketing director of Festival International said.(Photo: Festival International)

Festival International de Louisiane organizers have decided a fall Festival is not feasible but a virtual music event will to be held in its place next weekend.

From April 24 through April 26, the spirit of Festival will live on through scheduled concerts from international and local musicians, blast-from-the-past videos and an 'International Collaborative Surprise.'

"We feel that the magic in the air during Festival International is a force that can not, and should not, be stopped," Carly Viator, marketing director of Festival International said. "Flags are still flying, and the playlist is still playing today. But we wanted to create something special."

The weekend will also include 'Fest Fan' contests, limited-edition merchandise, donation opportunities and interactive experiences.

The full schedule and lineup for Virtual Festival will be out early next week.

To get the full Festival experience, a list of food vendors open during Virtual Festival weekend will be available on the Festival International website along with the art vendors’ websites and online shops.

Legends and Cafe 20.3 will be serving up Festival punch to-go, which will come with a set of complementary 2020 Festival souvenir cups.

Festival has also announced a Virtual 5K run, which aims to give runners a fun, physical goal to achieve, while also helping keep the festival alive. Runners can choose their own race course as they practice social distancing. Registrants get access to an exclusive, upbeat 5K playlist for their race day, plus a locally designed 5K T-shirt printed by Parish Ink. Run, walk, jog or bike in support of the #IRunForFestival mission. Registration is now open on Festival’s website.

"Both of these virtual events will offer new, innovative opportunities," Scott Feehan Festival Executive Director said. "While providing that feeling of community that is missing during these hard times. Louisiana is a place known for gathering, celebrating and persevering. Let’s bounce back stronger than ever in the spring as we take this time to stay safe and healthy."

For the past 33 years, Festival International, a 5-day celebration of culture through music, food, art, has been transforming Lafayette into an "entertainment mecca with music from around the world."

Contact Victoria Dodge at vdodge@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter @Victoria_Dodge